British Horse Driving Trials Association

Mission Statement & Objectives

The aim of the BHDTA is to increase the quality and quantity of horse driving trials at all levels in the UK.

Primary Objectives

Participation

To increase participation and enjoyment in horse driving trials by:

Inspiring more adults and children to go driving more often

Increasing the satisfaction of participants and volunteers to sustain and grow driving participation

Safety and welfare

Work with all individuals and organisations associated with horse driving trials in conjunction with the appropriate agencies so that the number of preventable incidents and deaths is reduced
To ensure the welfare of horses involved in the sport

Representation

To represent recreational horse driving trials freedoms and responsibilities:
to maintain the BHDTA’s position as an undisputed upholder of recreational drivers' freedoms and responsibilities
to protect drivers’ rights to enjoy their activity by working with relevant local, regional, national, European and international organisations
to promote responsible and sustainable horse driving trials, in safety and in harmony with the environment and other land users in UK

Performance

To raise standards:
of horse driving trials, drivers, grooms, coach/trainers and officials in order to enhance competition and for the overall enjoyment of horse driving trials throughout the UK
to achieve international competitive success at significant international championships and in world rankings
of education
to maintain the BHDTA as the primary source of horse driving trials information and training programmes

Membership

To expand the membership base:
to sustain and develop the membership base of the BHDTA
to enhance the BHDTA’s image
to provide regular communication with members

Associated Objectives

Widening Access

To ensure that the BHDTA's services and programmes are inclusive and accessible to all, including under-represented groups
Volunteering - to develop a well-informed, skilled and motivated network of volunteers
To promote horse driving trials and deliver the BHDTA’s programmes at club, regional and national level
To encourage more BHDTA members to become involved with the running of the Association and its programmes at all levels

Communications

To raise the profile of the BHDTA and maintain the BHDTA’s position as the recognised ‘voice of competitive driving’ in the UK:
to understand and represent the views of the horse driving trials community
to seek wider recognition by key audiences of the BHDTA’s views, commitment and achievements
to liaise with associated industry to promote common objectives

Financial

To be financially strong:
to achieve an annual operating surplus
to increase turnover from subscription, trading and sponsorship income
to minimise the working capital requirements for trading operations
to grow the accumulated fund to the equivalent of 9 months administrative expenditure.